BACKGROUND

A substantial number of COVID-19 recoverees are working-aged individuals, which makes return-towork (RTW) an essential part of rehabilitation. Many COVID-19 recoverees must deal with physical and mental symptoms of post-COVID conditions such as fatigue, dyspnea, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and anxiety. These symptoms coupled with often insufficient support from employers and the government can make the RTW process complicated. Although research related to RTW after COVID-19 has begun to emerge over the years, few primary studies have come out from developing countries.

This exploratory study aims to describe perceived work ability and health-related quality of life, lived experiences of the RTW process, and role of rehabilitation in a limited sample of Filipino COVID-19 recoverees. 

Using purposive sampling and a convergent parallel mixed-method design, the study draws on an online survey and group interviews to understand expectations, experiences, and self-rated work ability of working-age adults with post-COVID condition. We report the findings of the questionnaire data using descriptive statistics. From the questionnaire respondents, eight participants were interviewed to explore the RTW experiences from multiple perspectives. The group interview was conducted online, and narrative analysis was used to explore the data. This analytic process involved an iterative and inductive process between data gathering and data analysis.

Findings from our narrative analysis are reported under four themes: 1) The period of liminality; 2) A ‘positive’ problem; 3) Health as a psychosocial and justice issue; and 4) The reimagination of paid work. The narratives gathered document an overview of how selected Filipinos overcame the COVID-19 infection and their recovery and RTW process.

Results call for a re-examination of the concept of health and paid work for individuals undergoing rehabilitation and recovery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), a novel treatment, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the standard treatment, are both effective in treating anxiety in adolescents. This study determined the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions versus cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety among adolescents experiencing social anxiety through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

A systematic approach was used to identify eligible studies. Electronic databases, reference lists of relevant articles, and gray literature were searched. Data was analyzed using RevMan to calculate standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals and subgroups. Heterogeneity was measured using visual assessment, the I2 statistic, and chi-square test.

Randomized controlled trials comparing MBI to CBT for adolescents diagnosed with social anxiety or social phobia disorder were analyzed, with non-randomized studies being excluded. Structured searches in electronic databases, reference lists, and gray literature were conducted by four independent reviewers who initially identified potential articles through title and abstract screening. After a comprehensive review of full-text articles and a consensus-building process, the selection of included articles was finalized. Data was analyzed using RevMan to calculate standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals and to examine subgroups, with heterogeneity being assessed through visual evaluation, the I² statistic, and chi-square tests. Total number of participants was 255; 101 were male and 158 were women. Mean age was 27.5 years old, and diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, or DSM-IV-Defined-Anxiety-Disorder. They were divided into two groups: 125 participated in 8- to 12-week MBI sessions lasting 2 hours each, while 130 underwent 2-hour CBT sessions spanning 8, 12, or 14 weeks. There is moderate quality of evidence reporting non-significant difference on MBI vs CBT's effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of social anxiety [mean (95% CI) = -0.04 (-0.58, 0.51)].

Study found that there were no significant differences between Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in reducing social anxiety in adolescents. Mindfulness interventions have advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness for reducing symptoms of anxiety. Future research should include larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to further assess long-term effects of these interventions.

This paper presents the development of a Time-limited Occupational Therapy (OT) Model designed to address the significant challenge of organizing the OT process within the constraints of a time-limited protocol while maintaining a client-centered approach and promoting systematic interdisciplinary care. Rooted in the authors’ clinical experiences and supported by existing literature, this challenge is compounded by multifactorial and contextual barriers within the Philippine healthcare system, including financial and resource limitations, institutional policies, and the uneven distribution of occupational therapists. Integrating the Dose-Effect (DE) and Good-Enough Level (GEL) models, this framework balances efficient treatment delivery with flexibility to meet client-specific goals. The DE Model emphasizes early improvement, while the GEL Model allows therapy to adapt dynamically to client progress. Key safeguards, such as Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) and PostIntervention Review and Feedback based on the 5 A’s Model (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, Arrange), enable precise tracking of incremental progress and foster self-management through actionable feedback and goal-setting. The model comprises three main phases: evaluation, intervention, and re-evaluation, each structured by standardized measures, collaborative goal setting, and personalized intervention strategies. Interdisciplinary collaboration, informed by frameworks like the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4), further enhances its adaptability across diverse clinical contexts. Demonstrating its practical application, a sample case of an 80-year-old inpatient highlights effective outcome measures and transition planning. While preliminary, this model provides a structured yet adaptable framework for delivering high-quality, outcome-driven care despite systemic constraints. Future research should prioritize empirical validation to refine the model and evaluate its long-term effectiveness in addressing the complexities of therapy delivery under resource-constrained conditions.

The Remote Home Environment Assessment (RHEA) Framework is a guide designed to help therapists conduct structured home environment assessments remotely using tools and technology. It offers an efficient and practical approach to overcoming the limitations of facility-based home assessments. The framework offers step-by-step procedures for remote home environment assessment for adult clients with physical dysfunction. It involves four major steps that focus on assessing the client’s physical environment: a) screening for selecting the most appropriate remote home environment assessment modality/ies; b) a preparatory phase that includes signing consent forms, explaining the assessment process, and previewing preliminary information; c) administration of the remote assessment; and d) consolidation of the home information. Furthermore, supplementary materials such as screening form, client and health facility consent forms, home evaluation questionnaire and checklist, and client instructions were developed to facilitate and guide the implementing therapist through the aforementioned steps. Pilot testing is recommended to gain accurate and practical insights into the RHEA Framework’s usability and effectiveness.

Occupational Therapy ; Knowledge

BACKGROUND

A substantial number of COVID-19 recoverees are working-aged individuals, which makes return-towork (RTW) an essential part of rehabilitation. Many COVID-19 recoverees must deal with physical and mental symptoms of post-COVID conditions such as fatigue, dyspnea, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and anxiety. These symptoms coupled with often insufficient support from employers and the government can make the RTW process complicated. Although research related to RTW after COVID-19 has begun to emerge over the years, few primary studies have come out from developing countries.

This exploratory study aims to describe perceived work ability and health-related quality of life, lived experiences of the RTW process, and role of rehabilitation in a limited sample of Filipino COVID-19 recoverees. 

Using purposive sampling and a convergent parallel mixed-method design, the study draws on an online survey and group interviews to understand expectations, experiences, and self-rated work ability of working-age adults with post-COVID condition. We report the findings of the questionnaire data using descriptive statistics. From the questionnaire respondents, eight participants were interviewed to explore the RTW experiences from multiple perspectives. The group interview was conducted online, and narrative analysis was used to explore the data. This analytic process involved an iterative and inductive process between data gathering and data analysis.

Findings from our narrative analysis are reported under four themes: 1) The period of liminality; 2) A ‘positive’ problem; 3) Health as a psychosocial and justice issue; and 4) The reimagination of paid work. The narratives gathered document an overview of how selected Filipinos overcame the COVID-19 infection and their recovery and RTW process.

Results call for a re-examination of the concept of health and paid work for individuals undergoing rehabilitation and recovery.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of guitar lessons (intervention group) in comparison to conventional occupational therapy (OT) sessions (control group) on hand function of chronic stroke patients with unilateral hand impairment.

This randomized controlled trial enrolled 34 chronic stroke patients with unilateral hand impairment. Participants were grouped randomly into intervention (guitar lessons) and control (conventional occupational therapy) groups. Each group participant underwent a total of eight consecutive therapy sessions, twice weekly for an hour each session, at the designated treatment rooms in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the Philippine General Hospital. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations were done to assess range of motion, grip and pinch strength, and hand functions. Satisfaction surveys were answered at the end of the 8-therapy session.

Improvements in hand function were assessed through measurement of range of motion (ROM), grip and pinch strength, and with the use of Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function test, and Purdue Pegboard Test of Manual Dexterity. In this study, the comparison of actual change of passive range of motion (ROM) of the impaired hand from pre- to post-treatment between control and intervention groups showed no statistically significant difference. No statistically significant difference between groups were also observed for the active ROM of the impaired hand. Comparison of function of the impaired hand pre- and posttreatment between control and intervention groups showed no statistically significant difference except for an observed greater improvement with the control group in motor coordination (median [IQR] 0 [-1 to 0] vs 1 [1 to 5], p = 0.004), tip (median [IQR] 0.33 [0 to 0.75] vs 1 [0.58 to 1.5], p = 0.006), and 3-jaw (median [IQR] 0.5 [0 to 0.92] vs 1.08 [0.41 to 2], p = 0.043) pinch strength.

Results. Improvements in hand function were assessed through measurement of range of motion (ROM), grip and pinch strength, and with the use of Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function test, and Purdue Pegboard Test of Manual Dexterity. In this study, the comparison of actual change of passive range of motion (ROM) of the impaired hand from pre- to post-treatment between control and intervention groups showed no statistically significant difference. No statistically significant difference between groups were also observed for the active ROM of the impaired hand. Comparison of function of the impaired hand pre- and posttreatment between control and intervention groups showed no statistically significant difference except for an observed greater improvement with the control group in motor coordination (median [IQR] 0 [-1 to 0] vs 1 [1 to 5], p = 0.004), tip (median [IQR] 0.33 [0 to 0.75] vs 1 [0.58 to 1.5], p = 0.006), and 3-jaw (median [IQR] 0.5 [0 to 0.92] vs 1.08 [0.41 to 2], p = 0.043) pinch strength.

All participants in both groups displayed 100% compliance in attending onsite treatments. Despite not showing statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.721), an 11.8% tendency for better compliance is found in the intervention group.

The specific guitar lesson created and performed in this study as used by 17 participants of the intervention group have brought about improvement in hand function that is comparable with those who underwent traditional occupational therapy. This may be most helpful in areas with limited access to rehabilitation facilities and occupational therapy services. This may also be used as a continuing activity of chronic stroke patients at home to help improve hand function.

BACKGROUND

Occupational therapy (OT) can be part of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in the university setting. Numerous studies worldwide have highlighted the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health due to isolation and restrictions. In the Philippines, these issues were exacerbated among students, whose abrupt shift to remote learning negatively affected their mental well-being. As universities reopened, there is an opportunity for OT to support students' mental health.

This study presents the findings of an online group discussion and an online forum that explored the role of OT in MHPSS in the Philippine university setting. Moreover, this study aimed to (1) describe the perceptions of Filipino OT practitioners (OTPs) on their role in the university setting, and (2) describe thoughts of Filipino OTPs on being part of MHPSS services.

Using a qualitative exploratory design, data was gathered through an online discussion and an online forum. Thirty-five Filipino OTPs with a background in mental health practice served as the participants. Data was analysed using constant comparison.

Analyses of data generated four themes: (1) awareness of the importance of MHPSS as student support, (2) mental health and occupation-focused support in the education setting, (3) role of OT in MHPSS, and (4) potential for interprofessional services.

Need for OT in MHPSS is justified by rising issues in anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress that can be addressed using an occupation-focused approach. OTPs can provide non-specialized services like PFA, or specialized individual or group-based interventions. However, OTPs think that they need to know more about MHPSS to contribute across all levels of MHPSS.

Background and Objective: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), a novel treatment, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the standard treatment, are both effective in treating anxiety in adolescents. This study determined the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions versus cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety among adolescents experiencing social anxiety through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic approach was used to identify eligible studies. Electronic databases, reference lists of relevant articles, and gray literature were searched. Data was analyzed using RevMan to calculate standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals and subgroups. Heterogeneity was measured using visual assessment, the I2 statistic, and chi-square test. Results: Randomized controlled trials comparing MBI to CBT for adolescents diagnosed with social anxiety or social phobia disorder were analyzed, with non-randomized studies being excluded. Structured searches in electronic databases, reference lists, and gray literature were conducted by four independent reviewers who initially identified potential articles through title and abstract screening. After a comprehensive review of full-text articles and a consensus-building process, the selection of included articles was finalized. Data was analyzed using RevMan to calculate standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals and to examine subgroups, with heterogeneity being assessed through visual evaluation, the I² statistic, and chi-square tests. Total number of participants was 255; 101 were male and 158 were women. Mean age was 27.5 years old, and diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, or DSM-IV-Defined-Anxiety-Disorder. They were divided into two groups: 125 participated in 8- to 12-week MBI sessions lasting 2 hours each, while 130 underwent 2-hour CBT sessions spanning 8, 12, or 14 weeks. There is moderate quality of evidence reporting non-significant difference on MBI vs CBT's effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of social anxiety [mean (95% CI) = -0.04 (-0.58, 0.51)]. Conclusion Study found that there were no significant differences between Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in reducing social anxiety in adolescents. Mindfulness interventions have advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness for reducing symptoms of anxiety. Future research should include larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to further assess long-term effects of these interventions.
Adolescent ; Mindfulness ; Anxiety ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ; Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapy (OT) can be part of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in the university setting. Numerous studies worldwide have highlighted the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health due to isolation and restrictions. In the Philippines, these issues were exacerbated among students, whose abrupt shift to remote learning negatively affected their mental well-being. As universities reopened, there is an opportunity for OT to support students' mental health. Objectives: This study presents the findings of an online group discussion and an online forum that explored the role of OT in MHPSS in the Philippine university setting. Moreover, this study aimed to (1) describe the perceptions of Filipino OT practitioners (OTPs) on their role in the university setting, and (2) describe thoughts of Filipino OTPs on being part of MHPSS services. Method: Using a qualitative exploratory design, data was gathered through an online discussion and an online forum. Thirty-five Filipino OTPs with a background in mental health practice served as the participants. Data was analysed using constant comparison. Results: Analyses of data generated four themes: (1) awareness of the importance of MHPSS as student support, (2) mental health and occupation-focused support in the education setting, (3) role of OT in MHPSS, and (4) potential for interprofessional services. Conclusion Need for OT in MHPSS is justified by rising issues in anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress that can be addressed using an occupation-focused approach. OTPs can provide non-specialized services like PFA, or specialized individual or group-based interventions. However, OTPs think that they need to know more about MHPSS to contribute across all levels of MHPSS.
Occupational Therapy ; Mental Health ; Psychosocial Support Systems